Erin Hills, not Cog Hill, in line for 2017 U.S. Open

The Tribune's Teddy Greenstein has a story in which the United States Golf Assn.'s Mike Davis says Cog Hill still is a candidate for the 2017 U.S. Open.

Don't get your hopes up.

Technically, it's true. However, the reality is Cog Hill only is a backup plan in case things fall through with front-runner Erin Hills, the course outside Milwaukee.

Mr. Davis said the Open will go to a Midwest facility in 2017. Hallelujah. It will be the first Open in the central part of the U.S. since Olympia Fields in 2003.

Cog Hill owner Frank Jemsek said he hasn't talked to USGA officials since meeting with them in February. The USGA won't commit to a course until all contracts are in place. That includes hammering out details with local government officials, which would be no small feat in Cook County.

It is a long and complicated process, to say the least. The fact that Mr. Jemsek said he hasn't had any discussions speaks volumes for where the 2017 Open is going.

I'm guessing the USGA is keeping Cog Hill in its back pocket in case things don't work out with Erin Hills. The course already is set to host the 2011 U.S. Amateur, usually considered a primer for landing an Open.

Still, Erin Hills' selection won't be without controversy. It is less than 10 years old and has gone through several modifications since its opening. Also, there has been a recent change of owners, and the course is closed until the summer.